Peggy Joan Robbins Strickland, 78, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Rutherford County, NC, on February 20, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Gwendolyn Proctor Robbins Abner and James Robbins. She was raised by her grandparents the late James Fuller Proctor and Addie Proctor. Peggy retired from The Cleveland County Clerk of Court. She was very active in retirement, being very involved in her church and local politics (which she always had an opinion about). She had a love of reading which she passed to her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William Allen Strickland, her parents Gwendolyn Abner and James Robbins and her grandparents James and Addie Proctor.

She is survived by her brother James “Bud” Robbins and wife Adolyn. She was mom to children: Joey Strickland and wife Denise, Gwen Huss and husband Greg, Kim Davis and husband Sam, Mark Strickland and Paulette Pegram and husband Bob. She set an example of how to be a servant at church, in the community and in our families.

As Nana she left behind 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Kari, Allen and Lauren Strickland, Eric and Matt Huss, Steven and Stephanie Davis, Shawn Strickland, Chasity Walker and husband Johnathan, R.H. Pegram and wife Audrey and their son Landon, and Zack and Addie Pegram.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Putnam Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Glisson and Rev. Gary Marburger officiating. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Cecil Burton Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and other times at the family home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC, 28150, Putnam Memorial Baptist Church, 1146 County Home Road, Shelby, NC 28152 or Monneyham Library (where she was major contributor to the large print section) 240 E. Main St., Forest City, NC 28043

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Strickland.